Another Refs Blows a VAR Call, but Portugal Doesn't Mind

It's a bitch living and dying by the VAR.

In fact, that's surely the only thing Iran's national team has in common with the NFL.

All their manager knows is what virtually everyone does: a judgment call is still a judgment call.

At least the Iranians broke even in this game, if there is such a thing.

For instance, is watching Christian Ronaldo getting a gift yellow instead of a deserved red offset by getting a late penalty?

 

Granted, the Portuguese did all right without their megastar in the 2016 EuroCup, but Iran would've relished a shot at seeing them do it again.

Meanwhile in the wake of ratings boosters like the multi-Ballon d'Or winnor or the defending World Cup champions seeming to get preferential treatment on judgment calls, the only conclusion available is that FIFA is still flippin' FIFA.

 

Iran and Portugal played their lives out at Saransk's Mordovia Arena for a spot in the bracket. It was an emotional match, which ended up 1-1.

That worked for the Seleção das Quinas, not so much for Iran.

 

Their intent was clear from the first minute and nothing new, frankly. Dudes wanted to defend and wait for a Portuguese mistake in order to launch a lethal counterattack. Even though Ronaldo wasn't as effective in the usual way -- but with an awesome rabbit punch --  Portugal was covered with Ricardo Quaresma taking responsibility for their fortunes.

The Beşiktaş winger was ultimately rewarded a tick before intermission by converting a piece of art, his long-range finish -- from the outside of his foot -- straight into the net. No chance for the Iranian 'keeper, Alireza Beiranvand:

Portugal could have doubled their lead in the 53rd minute when Ronaldo went down like a tree in the box. Paraguayan referee Enrique Patricio Cáceres checked the VAR -- the truth is out there, allegedly -- and pointed to spot.

As they say in hoops, the ball never lies:

 

As the match was bleeding minutes, the Iranians threw themselves at Portugal, knowing they needed two goals to have a chance to advance.

Already in the 90th minute, the VAR was called once again to review a possible handball from Cedric Soares inside the Portuguese box.

It was given, so Karim Ansarifard took the ball and equalized:

Another clear trend in this tournament is referees giving serious bonuses in the form of end-game injury time.

Iran almost notched what would've been a group-changing second goal with Mehdi Taremi, who found himself front and center with Rui Patrício but finished it on the side netting.

The die is cast in Group B:

The Spanish will take on Group A runner-up Russia. Portugal gets Group A winner Uruguay.

Now the fun really begins.